At the center of the circular ruin floated a massive cube, completely motionless.
It emitted no visible aura at all.
If Jiang Chen and Diluc hadn't clearly prepared to fight it, the others would never have guessed it was actually a monster.
"Is… that really a monster?"
Both Noelle and Barbara were natives of Mondstadt, yet neither had ever heard of such a creature existing deep in Stormbearer Mountains.
"Yes."
Jiang Chen nodded.
"This ancient ruin constantly gathers surrounding elemental energy."
"Over many years, that energy eventually gave birth to a monster like this."
Paimon rubbed her chin.
"But I can't sense any monster aura at all."
Jiang Chen grinned mischievously.
"Why don't you go poke it and find out?"
"No thanks!"
Paimon waved her hands immediately.
"I'll cheer for you from here!"
Jiang Chen chuckled and explained:
"That's because its aura is sealed inside the inert cube shells protecting it."
Preparing for the Boss Battle
Jiang Chen then began taking equipment out for Diluc.
Two artifacts appeared.
Berserker's Timepiece
Main stat: 34.8% HP
Substats:
HP +167
DEF +32
DEF +4.7%
Crit Rate +5.3%
Berserker's Mask
Main stat: 34.8% HP
Substats:
HP +7.7%
DEF +40
ATK +3.3%
Energy Recharge +3.6%
2-Piece Bonus:
+12% Critical Rate
Jiang Chen explained casually.
"These are the only high-tier ones that suit you."
"You already took the others last time."
Diluc coughed awkwardly.
"That wasn't stealing."
"That was payment."
Still, he equipped them immediately.
He attached the timepiece to his chest clasp and put on the mask.
Together with the artifacts he had "borrowed" earlier, they surrounded him with a mysterious protective energy.
He swung his claymore.
The artifacts didn't increase his attack power much—
But he clearly felt far more durable.
Perfect for survival.
Jiang Chen's Own Artifacts
Diluc glanced over.
"What about you?"
"Of course I prepared something."
Jiang Chen placed a pocket watch in his coat and pinned a flower to his chest.
Instructor's Pocket Watch
Main stat: +139 Elemental Mastery
Substats:
ATK +13
Energy Recharge +10.3%
HP +13.2%
HP +167
Instructor's Flower
Main stat: +3571 HP
Substats:
Crit +3.6%
Elemental Mastery +43
HP +4.1%
DEF +2.7%
2-Piece Bonus:
+80 Elemental Mastery
These were among Jiang Chen's few fully upgraded 4-star artifacts.
One of them had dropped half a year earlier from the boss:
Electro Hypostasis
He had max-enhanced them using lower-tier artifacts.
That upgrade system was his unique advantage.
Other people in Teyvat had no such method.
Even someone as wealthy as Diluc still envied the high-level artifacts Jiang Chen could produce.
Strict Orders
Jiang Chen turned toward the others.
"You stay around the edge of the ruins."
"No one joins the battle unless I say so."
His voice was unusually serious.
Lumine was shocked.
"Jiang Chen… we don't help?"
"If needed, I'll call you."
"But—"
She hesitated, worry filling her bright eyes.
Jiang Chen gently patted her head.
"I told you I prepared a big gift package for you."
"So just wait."
Then he turned and followed Diluc into the ruins.
The Girls' Conversation
Barbara looked slightly jealous.
"Big Brother Jiang Chen treats you really well."
"I know."
Lumine nodded.
But her attention remained fixed on the massive cube in the ruins.
Even during their first day in Stormbearer Mountains—
When they faced Abyss Mages and hilichurl camps—
Jiang Chen still allowed them to fight.
But now he was strictly forbidding them from approaching.
That meant one thing.
This monster was far more terrifying.
Jiang Chen couldn't guarantee their safety.
Lumine clenched her fists.
"I need to get stronger."
"One day, I want to stand beside him in battle."
"Just like Diluc does."
"That's a great goal!"
Paimon clapped enthusiastically.
Noelle nodded firmly in agreement.
"Then Barbara will support everyone!"
Barbara said proudly.
The Boss Awakens
A powerful wind swept across the small plain.
The moment Jiang Chen and Diluc stepped into the ruins—
The wind currents became unstable.
Then—
CRACK.
The inert cube shells suddenly separated.
Like a giant creature stretching after waking up.
A terrifying life force erupted.
The core floated in the center.
The monster had awakened.
Anemo Hypostasis
Level: 36.
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